By Honorary Reporter Hyacinta Louisa from Indonesia

Photo = Hyacinta Louisa

I've recently watched Korean TV shows that promote traditional markets. The main attraction of such markets is food, and the shows mostly highlight the grub found there. Yet the charm of these markets also provides insight into Korean culture and livelihood. Meeting and talking to market vendors is a unique experience that cannot be missed while visiting Korea.

I cannot visit Korea this year due to the pandemic, so I will reminisce about my trips to these markets during past visits. Many quality products are available at good prices like fresh meat, clothing and home appliances. Good restaurants at the markets are like hidden treasures. For example, I found a place serving great yukhoe bibimmyeon (spicy noodles with beef tartare) at Shinwon Market in Seoul's Sillim-dong neighborhood. Discovering a hidden gem like this feels like an accomplishment to me.

Yukhoe bibimmyeon is a popular dish served at Seoul's Shinwon Market.

Traditional markets are also great to visit at night, especially for trendy cuisine. For example, Seomun Night Market in Daegu not only has delicious food, but also live music on the central stage.

Seomun Night Market in Daegu is famous for its food stalls.

Another charm is that traditional markets can specialize in certain items, like Bosu-dong Book Street in Busan. Many used, old or vintage books are available here at cheaper prices. In addition to books, the street, which was opened in the 1950s, was the country's first of its kind to appear after national liberation.

Bosu-dong Book Street in Busan is great for bibliophiles.

What I love most about Korean traditional markets is that they're usually clean and well-organized, not dirty and smelly like I used to think. These markets should be on everyone's itinerary when visiting Korea.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.